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Owen Beck is edging closer to a full return for Derby County, with the defender set to participate in a match next week.
The Liverpool loanee has yet to make an appearance this season since joining Derby due to a calf injury he picked up during the warm-up against Burton Albion. However, Beck has returned to training over the past week, although his lack of game time means he's not yet at peak match fitness.
Derby manager Eustace doesn't anticipate Beck's return until after the international break, but notes the left-back is eager to rejoin the action. "Owen's doing really well," Eustace commented, reports Derbyshire Live.
"He's been training with us this week and I think he's down for a game at some point next week as well.
"I think after the international break is when we'll get Owen back in the squad and firing.
"He's had a tough time, but he'll be ready.
"Mentally he's very strong and he can't wait to get back in with the group and the group can't wait to have him on the pitch."
Beck won't be risked for this weekend's clash against Wrexham, joining Rhian Brewster and Curtis Nelson on the injury list.
Liam Thompson is also sidelined after sustaining a knee injury in training, with a return expected in four to five weeks.
Beck had interest from a number of clubs in the summer after Liverpool opted against including him for the pre-season tour of Asia. Wrexham and Sheffield United were both keen but the left back eventually headed for Derby.
Beck, who signed a new deal with Liverpool before heading out on loan, joined the club in 2021 and made his debut for the Reds in a Carabao Cup tie against Preston.
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